The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint tourist visa that allows eligible international visitors to travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on a single 90-day multiple-entry visa. The visa costs USD 100 and is valid only within the three participating countries.
Note that Kenya has transitioned most general entry processes to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system.
It is designed for travellers combining destinations such as a Kenya safari, Uganda gorilla trekking and a Rwanda visit without applying for separate tourist visas for each country.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is for tourism only and does not permit employment or other work.
Which countries does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover?
The visa covers three countries:
Kenya
Uganda
Rwanda
It does not cover Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan or other East African countries.
If you plan to include Tanzania in your itinerary, you will need to check Tanzania’s separate entry requirements.
Who should apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is particularly useful for travellers planning a multi-country East African holiday.
For example, you could start with a Masai Mara safari in Kenya, continue to Uganda for gorilla trekking, and then visit Rwanda before returning to Kenya.
A typical itinerary could look like:
Nairobi → Masai Mara → Uganda → Rwanda → Kenya
If your trip is only to Kenya, including a Masai Mara safari, you should check Kenya’s separate entry requirements rather than assuming you need the East Africa Tourist Visa.
If your itinerary combines Kenya with Uganda and/or Rwanda, the joint East Africa Tourist Visa can be a convenient option, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and enter through the appropriate participating country.
How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
It allows multiple entries between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda during the validity period. However, leaving the three-country zone can make the visa no longer valid for re-entry.
The visa is not extendable.
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100.
Visa fees are generally non-refundable, and additional bank or payment charges may apply.
Who should apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The joint visa can be useful if your itinerary includes two or more of the participating countries.
For example:
Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda → Kenya
A traveller visiting only Kenya does not normally need the East Africa Tourist Visa simply because Kenya participates in the scheme. Kenya now uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for most foreign visitors, so travellers should check which authorization applies to their nationality and itinerary.
Where do you apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is available through the immigration authorities of the participating countries.
A key rule is that the country issuing the visa should normally be your first point of entry into the East Africa Tourist Visa zone.
For example, if Kenya is your first destination, you should apply through the Kenyan process. If Uganda is your first point of entry, you should apply through Uganda.
East Africa Tourist Visa requirements
Applicants should generally prepare:
A passport valid for at least 6 months
A recent passport-size photograph
Yellow fever vaccination certificate, where required
Return or onward travel details
Travel itinerary
Proof of accommodation or host details where requested
Immigration authorities may request additional documents during processing.
Documents should generally be submitted in English where required by the issuing authority.
Can you use the East Africa Tourist Visa more than once?
Yes. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple-entry visa for tourism within Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda during its 90-day validity period.
However, it is important to understand the geographical restriction: the visa is intended for travel within the Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda bloc. Leaving this zone can affect your ability to use the visa again.
Can you work with an East Africa Tourist Visa?
No.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is issued for tourism purposes only. It does not authorize employment, business work or other activities requiring a work permit.
East Africa Tourist Visa vs Kenya eTA
These are not the same thing.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for eligible tourists.
Kenya’s eTA is Kenya’s electronic travel authorization system for foreign visitors who require authorization to travel to Kenya.
If your trip includes Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, check the requirements for your nationality and first country of entry before applying so you use the correct travel authorization.
How to apply
The application process can vary depending on the country through which you are entering East Africa.
In general, applicants should:
Access the relevant immigration portal.
Select the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Complete the application form.
Upload the required documents.
Pay the USD 100 visa fee.
Submit the application for processing.
Receive the approval or visa documentation before travelling.
Always check the latest instructions from the relevant immigration authority before submitting an application, as requirements and procedures can change.
East Africa Tourist Visa at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Countries covered | Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda |
| Validity | 90 days |
| Entries | Multiple entry within the participating countries |
| Cost | USD 100 |
| Purpose | Tourism |
| Employment | Not permitted |
| Extension | Not extendable |
| First entry | Apply through the country that is your first point of entry |
Planning a Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda trip?
The East Africa Tourist Visa can make a multi-country East African holiday simpler because you can travel between the three participating countries under one 90-day tourist visa.
If your itinerary also includes Tanzania or another country outside the visa zone, check that country’s separate entry requirements before travelling.
